How did you start running?

[BsshBossh]

Did you start with a programme eg C25K (as I did), or a running club, or with a friend, or did you just make it up as you went along (eg I'll run to the next lampost)?

Just curious really.

C25k..... With a thread here on mumsnet!

I'm just back from a run actually

I made it up as I went along. I picked a circular route of about 2miles, and did that, jogging until I couldn't any more, and then walking until I got my breath back.

I hadn't heard of Counch25k then.

tried one of those plans but did my own thing in the end but I had run on and off since the age of 12

I tried one of those 'run two minutes, walk one' type plans but I live in such a hilly area that it was really tough if you hit a steep hill just at the start of a run bit. So then I just started to stretch out the running bit as much as I could.

I have just re-started after 4 months of no running after a badly injured ankle and am doing the same again - running until I'm really out of puff and then walking for a bit. So gutting starting all over again tho' ....

I lurked around C25K boards and was not inspired. Then in early Jan I bought Run Fat B!tch Run. This got me off my backside and out the door. And its great.

I used to go to the gym a lot and although I was fit and mixed up the cardio and resistance just could not get to grips with running. But since doing it outdoors I now understand why people enjoy it so much.

Can't say I've enjoyed the rain but I'm ploughing on.

I was in the middle of a major weight loss programme and going to the gym to use the cycling and rowing machine. After one stone, I treated myself to a proper gym outift rather than my pyjamas. After two stone, I bought myself six sessions with a personal trainer. I had a holiday coming up, and thought running would be the easiest way to keep up the good work while I was away. So I asked him if I "ought to be able" to run. Of course he said of course, and took me out the door and onto my local cycle-path-by-the-river. I never looked back. I made up my own rules, but I did read lots of different books, my favourite was probably Run for Life

I was a total novice runner - hadn't run since school - and used the C25K programme (via the NHS podcast) to get me started but I didn't complete it because it irritated me having someone jump in the middle of my run saying, "Good work, keep going, you're half way there!" and I'd think, "Only half way???" and give up. So then I used my own music and just ran until I wore out, walked, then ran again - making up my own rules until I could run without walking for 30 mins :-)

Just warmed up, ran as far as I could (150 mtrs) then collasped wheezing in a heap. Picked myself up and did it again.
Two days later did it again and again pushing myself further each time. Now three years later can do 10k no probs in 48 mins and am planning my 1st half marathon later this year and I was an overweight 45 year old!
Parkrun has been a great help to me.

I was on Tiffany's C25K thread (probably under a different name) . This time last year I'd just started, I ran my first half marathon a couple of weeks ago. Loving it (most of the time).

I just started with friends. Ran half an hour without stopping from the first session.... But we run fairly slowly so we can talk the whole time - I thought you oughtn't to go flat out and then walk... Just run steadily and make it fun by listening to music or going with friends. Too many people go too fast .

I use map-my-run to track my speed elevation pace and distance and focus on distance rather than pace. I am not built for speed but enjoy feeling as if I have travelled a long way a la Forest Gump. I am now up to 8 miles running non stop now once a week and then a couple of shorter runs. One thing I find is the first mile or two is the hardest but if you can run through that it gets easier.